Patient Education Program

What You Should Know About ERCP

ECRP stands for Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatogram

the gastrointestinal tract

What is the Biliary System?

The biliary system includes the liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and the ducts that connect them to each other. The liver and pancreas produce bile and enzymes that are released into your bowel to help digest food.

Why do I get pain?  Jaundice?  Pancreatitis?

The gallbladder and pancreas empty into the bowel through small tubes called the biliary ducts. If these tubes get blocked, pressure builds up. This can be painful and often leads to infection. Depending upon where the blockage occurs, you can become jaundiced and suffer pancreatitis. This can be life threatening.

What are the possible causes of obstruction?

  • gallstones or sludge
  • cancer
  • benign stricture
  • inflammation

What can be done to relieve the blockage?

It used to be that everyone would need surgery. This is a big operation, with significant risks. ERCP offers a simpler, often safer approach. ERCP is not done without a good reason.

IMPORTANT TIP: The ideal bowel movement comes the moment you sit, without pain, straining or bleeding. It's completed within seconds, and is easy to clean.
 
MEDITOONS™ ARE DESIGNED TO BE USED IN CONSULTATION WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN. THEY ARE NOT DESIGNED TO ENCOURAGE SELF-DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT. PLEASE CHECK WITH A PHYSICIAN PROMPTLY IF YOU SUSPECT YOU ARE ILL.